Used to overlook this ("too popular"). But it's one of their best to me nowadays. Rapid Fire, Metal Gods, Grinder, Steeler, The Rage. Great stuff. And of course the big hits too. Always get in a good mood when hearing Living After Midnight.

That's what occurred to me the other night - similarly I loved the first Battle Beast album, an original piece of work for that time, and then they totally turned into garbage. But Idle Hands seem more talented.

This band's first couple albums are my favorite gothic doom metal albums of all time. Ghostly, haunting atmosphere. Kinda makes me want to explore a decaying castle in the middle of the night during a full moon.

Empyreal wrote:

Idle Hands - Jackie

This is really growing on me. They really have a distinct style which is unusual for a newer metal act. I hope they don't turn into some kind of Battle Beast-esque gimmick down the road.

Don't jinx it. "Mana" is already an AOTY contender for me and I don't think I could handle this happening. lol

I'm glad to see that album get some love. I think people dismiss it because the intro and first song (Vinterdøden) are really lacking compared to the rest of the album. The deeper cuts are where the magic happens.

NP: Kampfar - Syndefall

Finally giving the new album a spin. The intro has to be a callback to the first album!

An insidious and prophetic reflection on the irredeemable division between the Faustian and Rational spectrum transformed into a monumental musical achievement still untarnished in the 21st century. Without measure in terms of its shining brilliance and its relevance today. Anxiety-ridden even after so many times listening to it until this day.

_________________"What manifests from an act of freedom that is simple in it constitute, complex in its expression, wholistic in its representation, and singular in its conviction? Are you witnessing and experiencing essences?"